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Resuming and increasing paxil dose side effects

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Posted Today 1:42 AM (GMT 0)
I was on 10 mg. paxil for 20 years for anxiety when I decided to go off it. I did it gradually and didn't notice any withdrawal symptoms. However, about a month later I began feeling lethargic and experienced morning depression. Anxiety began creeping in. So I resumed the 10 mg. Within a couple of days, anxiety soared. I even went to the ER thinking, falsely, that I might be having a heart attack. During the next week, I sought out a therapist and then saw a psychiatrist eventually, who increased my paxil to 20 mg. and gave me some ativan in case the new dose bumped up my anxiety again. I've had only 2 or 3 hours of sleep most nights over the last few weeks due to the relentless anxiety. My question is whether resuming the paxil and then increasing it could actually cause more anxiety in the short term (hopefully) and that it will subside soon. I'm miserable but hanging in there and sticking with the paxil. Sure hope it works.
Posted Today 4:35 AM (GMT 0)
Hi wolverine and welcome!

I am sorry to hear of your trouble reinstating your Rx.:( This is such a strange, yet not uncommon phenomena...trying to go back on a previously tolerated med, just to face start up issues.

Hopefully, this should be the typical temporary intital s'e's...eventually phasing out as you level out and the dose becomes beneficial.

How was your original start up? Do you remember similar experiences?

How is your therapy going? I am really glad that you are seeing someone...as I believe this is a crucial part of recovery.:) It does take time and patience however...hang in there!

For now...to help you get through this rough patch, here is the link to our Resources. Inside you'll find great self-help material and information that could really bring some relief.:)

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206



Check it out...and keep posting if you find it helpful. We care...and support is key!

Scaredy Cat

Posted Today 7:56 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the reply. I don't recall any issues when I started paxil 20 years ago. I start therapy in Monday. The first therapist didn't work out. I'm scared right now. Took atavin a couple of hours before bed time, got to sleep fine but am up 3 hours later feeling like I can't sleep. Thanks for listening.
Posted Today 6:09 PM (GMT 0)
WV.,

I hope that you were able to get back to sleep...and that today is better for you.

Keep up the good work! You are doing all of the right things for your recovery goals...starting your Rx...getting into therapy...and reaching out here.:)

You have laid a strong foundation for treatment...now it is just a matter of time, patience and seeing it all through.

We will do our part to support if you would like to keep us updated.:)

S.C.
Posted 11/30/2014 2:00 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the encouragement. Did not get back to sleep on Friday night, but slept 6-7 hours last night on ativan. Still very tired, depressed when waking. Nervous about continuing on the ativan at night even though it's only been a few days; don't want to depend on it. Today will be just my fourth day on the 20 mg. Paxil, over two weeks since I started the 10 mg. again. Seems like a long road ahead. I get a couple of hours of lessened anxiety in the evening; the rest of my days are hard. Thanks again for listening.
Posted 11/30/2014 4:51 PM (GMT 0)
WV,

Keep posting, and we wil do our best to keep you encouraged.:)

I hope that today strarts the turn around for you!

S.C.
Posted 11/30/2014 8:21 PM (GMT 0)
Wolverine

You're doing just fine... Hang in there my friend!

It is very common for your anxiety to heighten when starting or increasing the dose of an SSRI. You can get through this...

Keep us updated - we are here for you!

God bless

Cornell
Posted 11/30/2014 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Cornell. Having a tough day today after feeling a little better yesterday. Appreciate the support.
Posted 12/1/2014 1:54 PM (GMT 0)
Ativan calms me, gets me to sleep, but up at 3:30 until 6, then up at 8, still feeling anxious. Only 4th day on the .5 mg. dose, only taking for bed, but worried about dependency since the only time I feel relaxed is on the Ativan. Another thing to be anxious about. Thinking about stopping and facing the consequences, if any. Seeing a therapist today. Will bring this up. Still can't believe what has happened to me in just a month's time.
Posted 12/2/2014 1:18 PM (GMT 0)
Good visit with new therapist. Better day than I've had for awhile. Getting 5-6 hours sleep w Ativan, but leaves me anxious/down in the a.m. Hoping to perk up like I did yesterday. Using my new light bar as I type.
Posted 12/2/2014 4:11 PM (GMT 0)
WV.,

Great job on focusing on the positives! It is great that you had a good session with your new therapist....and that you are hopeful for another good day!

UV light can be really helpful for combating SAD...let us know how you find the results!

Keep up the great work! Use your coping skills to get through the rough a.m. patches...and keep us posted!

S.C.
Posted 12/10/2014 12:16 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the encouragement. The last week has been a roller coaster Had a stress test on Friday. Had to be there at 8 a.m. with very little sleep (could not take medication because it could effect the test). One of the toughest days of my life, but I got through it. Switched from ativan to ambien for sleep, hoping to lessen the hangover, but ambien is very similar in that regard. I'm taking it anyway because I have to sleep, even if it's only 6 hours. Two weeks into the 20 mg. paxil. Maybe I start feeling better soon. Also, I found out that my vitamin D(13.3) is less than half of what is considered normal, so I'll probably be getting a script from my doctor for a supplement. The reviews on D causing anxiety/depression are mixed, but the experts do seem to believe that it plays a role in SAD and even depression/anxiety if your levels are very low. Did I mention that where I live, Michigan, has less sunshine this time of year than just about anywhere on earth? Anyway, just updating.
Posted 12/10/2014 12:44 AM (GMT 0)
Hey! I'm from Michigan too. Been pretty grey around here for the last couple of weeks. I miss the sunshine🌞

I take vitamin D supplements and have not had a problem with them causing depression or anxiety. I only take 2000 per day, but I intend to take double that after the first of the year just to get me through January and February.

Good luck!
Posted 12/10/2014 2:26 AM (GMT 0)
It's the other way around. The Vitamin D supplements are supposed to help with anxiety and depression, the theory being that depression and anxiety, especially SAD, can be triggered by having too little D in your body. So the supplements that you are taking might be helping you in that way.
Posted 12/10/2014 3:27 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry, I must have read that wrong. You had said the reviews on vitamin d causing anxiety/depression are mixed...
So I thought you were saying some people experienced this when taking the supplement. Must have misunderstood you. Sorry about that.
I also take a magnesium supplement for anxiety, which really seems to help.

Good luck!
Posted 12/10/2014 4:49 AM (GMT 0)
W.,

Hope your test results are good! When do you.get your results?

Interesting about your D levels! Getting your script vitamins will help...as well as maybe a UV light source?

Continued best wishes during your start up time! ! Keep us posted, and we'll keep cheering you on.:)

S.C.
Posted 12/10/2014 1:03 PM (GMT 0)
Scaredy: I see the cardiologist on 12/18. I have a verilux light bar that I use, don't know that that will provide vitamin d.
Posted 12/10/2014 1:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi hun,

As everyone has said this is very common. I did have anxiety attacks when I went off of paxil and then went back on at a higher dose and it will fade in time. Time is one thing that always seem to lack in this situation but it is there. I hope that you start to feel better soon my dear, stay strong and keep posting it does help.
Posted 12/10/2014 3:17 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Jessica. I'm relatively new to this, had been OK for 20 years by being very physically active + the small dose of paxil. Time seems to be moving very slowly. Doubt is my enemy. Staying positive is hard. I have good support at home, but it does help to post here.
Posted 12/10/2014 3:19 PM (GMT 0)
W.,

Thought s and prayers regarding the 18th appt., and getting your results!

A light source that emits UVB rays allows our bodies to convert this into Vitamin D. UVB bulbs can essentially be considered an alternative to spending time in the sun, from a Vit D producing perspective.:)

S.C.
Posted 12/10/2014 10:17 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there, I just posted today actually I was on Zoloft for 4 years and stopped only for a few months and now am back on it. The sleep is a major thing or me for sure. I just want to get on with my life. I even cancelled work clients for now the sleep has been so bad. I hope you are feeling a bit better since reinstating Paxil?
Posted 12/10/2014 10:29 PM (GMT 0)
Fitness: I have a friend who takes trazodone for sleep and it has really helped him. My internist has mentioned it, too, as something that his patients with depression take and benefit from. It is an old anti-depressant that is only used these days for sleep. It is non addictive. I may go on it at some point myself. Right now, I take Ambien, which helps, but leaves me very tired for half the day. And it is not a long term fix. Everyone responds differently to these meds, though. Good luck to you. As for me, today is only two weeks since I've been taking 20mg. of paxil. Not sure if it's helping just yet. But thanks for asking.
Posted 12/11/2014 6:09 PM (GMT 0)
I find that I get some sleep with Ambien 10mg, but am conflicted about relying on a pill for sleep that I will have to get off at some point in the near future. Plus, I seem to have difficult mornings anxiety and energy-wise, sometimes into the early p.m. My therapist says that I need to sleep so keep with the Ambien. I know that she is right. In the past, exercise was my antidote to feeling a little low or having trouble with sleep. I bike around 4000 miles per year between April and October. I always said that it was for my mental health as much as my physical fitness. I still work out with the little energy that I have, but my stamina is not great at the moment. I dream about just a 15 mile bike ride that might lift my spirits.
Posted 12/11/2014 9:24 PM (GMT 0)
Its great that you continue to keep active. I just recently became a personal trainer - last month was a year. Wanted a job that was flexible to keep up with my kids but ended up overbooking myself and guess what? I ended up caring more about other peoples fitness than my own and then I broke down. The exercise in your startup on Paxil should help with the anxiety a bit! You will build up your stamina with biking again!!! As for the Ambien, you will be able to gradually wean off of it and its not like you have to stay on the 20 mg of Paxil forever!!! I also dont like taking Ativan but will gradually wean off. My husband takes Paxil. He's been on it for years. He tried to get off a few times and always had to go back on. Today was an up and down day for me. Feeling bad the feeling good. Take things day by day!!!
Posted 12/11/2014 9:37 PM (GMT 0)
Good to hear from you. Did 5 miles on my single speed in 39 degree weather this afternoon. Sun was shining for a change. I'm prepared to stay on paxil if it helps me. I just had the same experience as your husband, of course, trying to stop it. The days are definitely up and down, as you say. I seem to be able to relax a little later on in the evening. Yes, day by day. You are quite a bit younger than I am so I expect that you will be resilient and get back to life as you knew it. And now you know to take care of yourself first.
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